Ex HMAS Canberra

The Steps to Sink the ex HMAS Canberra in Victoria

Plan view of the HMAS Canberra FFG 02
Plan view of the HMAS Canberra FFG 02

Finally we have been advised that she is scheduled to be sunk on

Sunday the 4th of October 2009 at 9:15am.

  1. October 2006: The Federal Government agrees to make the ex HMAS Canberra available for sinking as an artificial reef and dive wreck in Victoria and commits to providing A$2.8 million towards the cost of the project.
  2. October 2006: The Victorian Government agrees to take the ex HMAS Canberra and prepare the ship for sinking as an artificial reef and dive wreck in Victoria and commits to providing A$500,000 towards the cost of the project.
  3. July 2007: The Federal Government agrees to take responsibility for preparation of the ex HMAS Canberra and make $7 million in funding available. Project management responsibility is handed over to the Defence Material Organisation (DMO).
  4. August 2007: DMO issue Request for Tender documents for the preparation of the ex HMAS Canberra. VARS is named in the tender documents as a key party the successful contractor will need to consult with.
  5. September 2007: Tender submissions close with a number of submission having been received.
  6. May 2008: The Victorian Government signs the deed of gift with the Federal Government and takes ownership of the ex HMAS Canberra.
  7. May 2008: DMO appoints Birdon Group as the successful contractor to clean and prepare the ship in compliance with environmental regulations and diver safety standards.
  8. May-June 2008: Birdon Group tows the ex HMAS Canberra from Rockingham, WA to Geelong, Victoria.
  9. Develop engineering plans and specifications for reef preparation, placement site management.
  10. Clean and prepare the ex HMAS Canberra as an artificial reef and dive wreck in Geelong, Victoria to guidelines used by the Commonwealth Department of Environment & Heritage (DEH).
  11. Complete and submit permit applications to all government agencies.
  12. Commission an independent report on the ships hull and interior to ensure that no marine pests are present on the hull prior to sinking.
  13. Make the final decision on the optimal site for the new artificial reef and wreck dive site.
  14. Tow the ex HMAS Canberra out to the site, orientate it properly and sink the ship.
  15. Properly experienced and skilled clearance divers ensure the wreck has been properly sunk and is in a completely safe condition.
  16. Install a mooring system.
  17. Open the ex HMAS Canberra for diving.
  18. Monitor reef's ecosystem activity and environmental health.

Where is she now?

The ex HMAS Canberra has been successfully towed from Rockingham, WA to Geelong, Victoria. She arrived at the Port of Geelong on Wednesday, 11th June 2008.

When will be able to dive on her?

Finally we have been advised that she is scheduled to be sunk on

Sunday the 4th of October 2009 at 9:15am.

  
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